How to bring your 1980s retro bathroom into the modern day

Kaye asks:

“Do you have any ideas for transforming an ’80s bathroom?”

Jane says:

Giving your ’80s bathroom a makeover is a great idea, no matter what sort of budget you are working with. For a property you’re looking to sell, the bathroom can have a big impact on potential buyers. And for a home owner, improving this area can really add value and just improve your overall experience of your home.

If your main or guest bathroom is a relic of the times of Pretty in Pink and Ghostbusters, chances are it needs a revamp. It may feature small tiles, a browny bronze shower screen, avocado-coloured acrylic carpet or a tired old bathtub, so now’s the time to give it a spruce up.

Some of the ideas you might consider when planning your project include changing floor coverings, splashbacks, upgrading the shower and modernising the bathtub and vanity. You don’t have to pull all the contents out and do a complete remodel. Changing a few important features can freshen up this much-used room.

What you do to your bathroom of course depends on your budget. If you have upwards of $10,000 then a full overhaul of the space could be possible. However, if you have a smaller amount to spend and just want to titivate the space, some clever tweaks will be the way to go.

There are some wonderful resurfacing products out there. That means rather than, say, stripping all the old brown tiles off the walls, you could just paint them using a special tile paint (actually it’s just the primer that’s unique; you can generally use a standard high gloss enamel paint as the top coat). I never recommend a DIY painted floor finish but there are professional tile resurfacers whose products are suitable for floor areas.

You can also resurface baths and vanities. These can be done DIY or by paying a professional.

Keep your colours light and bright of course. Whites, off whites, light beiges and very light greys work well.

If retiling anywhere, consider larger tiles of a neutral tone, or a feature coloured or textured splashback to liven things up. A large mirror can add the feeling of more space. To make the space more modern looking, make sure the mirror is either frameless with a bevelled edge or with a chunky white frame or something to that effect. There are hundreds of styles to choose rom; just make sure your end result is clean and fresh (ie no brown, bronze or coloured frames anywhere!).

You can easily modernise your shower using frameless glass screens, a new shower-head and new tap fittings.

If moisture is a problem, think about installing a combined fan/heater/light unit. Replace light fittings, or relocate to improve lighting over mirrored areas or the vanity.

If your budget allows, install a new vanity. Can you fit a double sink vanity into the space? Don’t forget the importance of storage too.

Are you ready to take the plunge and transform your ’80s bathroom? Get an idea of the “look” or theme that you will be working to before you begin. Research the internet, magazines and display homes – or ask for help from a renovation consultant or designer. Remember, modernising your bathroom is a winning move whether you’re simply into home improvements or looking to sell; your finished product will be well worth the effort.

Jane Eyles-Bennett is the founder of Hotspace Consultants and has more than 20 years of interior design and renovation experience. 

Send your renovation questions to Jane at jane@hotspaceconsultants.com.